($617+) Chesapeake, VA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $617 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,000 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 896 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,666, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,000 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,042 - $3,542, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $617 - $1,618.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,191 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chesapeake, VA to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Chesapeake to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,191 - $5,180. Moving containers run about 33% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 71% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 896-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 896-mile route from Chesapeake to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,666 - $4,350 | $1,042 - $2,029 | $617 - $1,098 | $1,007 - $1,825 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,191 - $5,180 | $1,467 - $2,789 | $640 - $1,345 | $1,151 - $2,164 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,712 - $7,000 | $1,953 - $3,542 | $803 - $1,618 | $1,487 - $2,863 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chesapeake, VA to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 896-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $1,666 - $7,000. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $314 - $2,096. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chesapeake and Chicago. Local movers in Chesapeake typically start around $290 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chesapeake to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,666 - $4,350
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,191 - $5,180
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,712 - $7,000
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Chesapeake to Chicago.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Chesapeake, VA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Chesapeake movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $524 - $5,240 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $210 - $1,258/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,515 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs45% of local movers | $1,048 - $3,144 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,620 - $10,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $785 - $1,491 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $1,048 - $2,620 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $838 - $3,668 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling15% of local movers | $314 - $1,572 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $681 - $2,096 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,720+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,668+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chesapeake to Chicago?
Movers licensed to operate in Illinois are typically members of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Chesapeake, VA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Chesapeake, VA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,042 and $3,542. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Chicago. If you go over that window, storage in Chesapeake adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chesapeake to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,042 - $2,029
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,467 - $2,789
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,953 - $3,542
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Chesapeake, VA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $734, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $79 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $157 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Chesapeake, VA, and Chicago, IL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Illinois move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,042. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,467 - $2,789.
What are the best moving containers Chesapeake to Chicago?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Chesapeake to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Chesapeake:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chesapeake, VA to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 896 miles from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Chicago, Illinois, running $617 - $1,618. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $299 - $341
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Chesapeake daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chesapeake to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $617 - $1,098
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $640 - $1,345
- 4+ bedrooms: $803 - $1,618
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chesapeake to Chicago starts at $617 - $1,618, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($299 - $341), overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $157 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $68 and $341 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $299 - $341 in fuel for the 896-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $734 in Chesapeake, Virginia, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chesapeake to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Chesapeake, VA to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Chesapeake, Virginia, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chicago, Illinois.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,151 and $2,164.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chesapeake to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,007 - $1,825
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,151 - $2,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,487 - $2,863
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $79 and $157.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Chesapeake, Virginia, for roughly five hours typically average $734.
What are the best freight companies from Chesapeake to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Chesapeake, VA vs Chicago, IL
Chesapeake and Chicago land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 104 in Chesapeake and 106 in Chicago, and average rent is $1,800/mo vs. $2,045/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 21 vs 77 and safety scores are 70.88 vs 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Chesapeake, VA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Illinois in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 304 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 896-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,666 for a studio to $7,000 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 896-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,042 - $3,542. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $617 - $1,618, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,191 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Chicago, IL
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($299 - $341), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $157/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 21 and 35 in Chesapeake. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Chesapeake, VA to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $617 to $7,000, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,666 and $7,000, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chesapeake, VA to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Chesapeake?
Local movers based in Chesapeake typically start around $290 as a base rate, plus $125/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Chesapeake movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Chesapeake handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.